Effects of 211 inclusions on zone melt-textured (RE/Y)-Ba-Cu-O superconductors

Abstract

The directionally melt grown (Sm/Y)(1.8)Ba2.4Cu3.4Oy high-T-c composite superconductors with/without CeO2 addition were systematically investigated by zone melt growth process in air. The sizes of (Sm/Y)(2)BaCuO5 inclusions of melt-textured (Sm/Y)(1.8)Ba2.4Cu3.4Oy with CeO2 addition were remarkably reduced and uniformly distributed within the (Sm/Y)Ba2Cu3Oy matrix. Both samples, with/without CeO2 addition, showed an onset T-c > 92 K and sharp superconducting transition. The critical current density J(c) values of the sample without CeO2 addition were lower (J(c) = 3.3 X 10(4) A/cm(2) in 0 T at 77 K) than those (J(c) = 4.7 X 10(4) A/cm(2) in 0 T at 77 K) of (Sm/Y)(1.8)Ba2.4Cu3.4Oy with CeO2 addition. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.